The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) demolished the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) complex situated in the computer village of Ikeja, Lagos. Witnesses reported the presence of armed police officers and four bulldozers during the Sunday morning demolition, which was completed before 9 a.m.
The complex, housing 300 shops and accommodating over 1,000 traders, became a focal point of public attention on December 20 when traders protested against the impending demolition plan by the police. A 24-hour quit notice served by the Lagos task force on Friday intensified protests, disrupting commercial activities in the complex.
Armed with a court injunction preventing the demolition, the traders displayed banners in defiance. However, in a statement on Saturday night, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), clarified that the demolition aimed to pave the way for the construction of a modern shopping complex on the same plot.
Adejobi stated that experts advised reconstruction due to the existing structure posing an environmental hazard, being susceptible to floods and potential collapse. He emphasized that the decision was made in good faith for the collective interest, with all necessary legal requirements met.
“The planned demolition and reconstruction will be in phases and is in good faith for the best interest of all concerned,” the statement read. “All necessary legal requirements have been duly met. The current occupants of the complex have been given more-than-enough notice of the demolition to enable them to evacuate from the facility in good time.”
The police assured temporary accommodation for traders within the same complex during the reconstruction. Adejobi added that the relevant Lagos State Government agency had been approached, expert advice sought, and necessary approvals obtained.
